squabble

[ skwob-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, squab·bled, squab·bling.

1. to engage in a petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: fight, bicker, wrangle, quarrel

verb (used with object)

, squab·bled, squab·bling.

1. Printing. to disarrange and mix (composed type).

noun

1. a petty quarrel.

squabble

/ ˈskwɒbəl /

verb

1. intr to quarrel over a small matter

noun

1. a petty quarrel

Derived Forms

• ˈsquabbler, noun

Other Words From

• squabbler noun
• squabbling·ly adverb
• un·squabbling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

1595–1605; probably < Scandinavian; compare Swedish dialect skvabbel a quarrel, gossip, Norwegian dialect skvabba to prattle

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

C17: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish dialect sqvabbel to quarrel

Example Sentences

A squabble had broken out a few hours earlier over line position, store manager Henry Nguyen said, and mall security stepped in to restore order.

From Los Angeles Times

Far from a well-oiled machine, the kitchen is a zone of dysfunction rife with petty squabbles and minor fiefdoms; it feels like a minor miracle that anything gets served to anyone at all.

From Los Angeles Times

Stewart opened up about her squabble with Mark Burnett, the executive producer behind “The Martha Stewart Show.”

From Salon

Perhaps it’s his friendship with Marcel that makes these movies work, because you genuinely believe in the connection between Eddie and Venom; that they care about each other as much as they squabble.

From Los Angeles Times

Day in and day out, it treats the divisions about basic facts and democratic rule as just so much partisan squabbling.

From Salon

Related Words

• bicker
• disagree
• fall out
• quarrel
• quibble
• wrangle